1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE MATERIAL AND SUPPLIER
1.1 Product identifier
Product name
LIQUID HELIUM
Synonym(s)
LIQUEFIED HELIUM
1.2 Uses and uses advised against
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Use(s)
SITE REQUIREMENTS ONLY
1.3 Details of the supplier of the product
Supplier name
GLOBAL GASES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Address
3 Halley Rd, Balcatta, WA, 6021, AUSTRALIA
Telephone
+61 8 9240 8363
Fax
+61 8 9240 8364
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.globalgases.com
1.4 Emergency telephone number(s)
Emergency
+61 89240 8363
2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture
CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS (GHS ONLY) ACCORDING TO SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA CRITERIA
GHS classification(s)
Gases Under Pressure: Refrigerated liquefied gas
2.2 Label elements
Signal word
WARNING
Pictogram(s)
Hazard statement(s)
H281
Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury.
Prevention statement(s)
P282
Wear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection.
Response statement(s)
P315
Get immediate medical advice/attention.
P336
Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area.
Storage statement(s)
P403
Store in a well-ventilated place.
Disposal statement(s)
None allocated.
2.3 Other hazards
Asphyxiant. Effects are proportional to oxygen displacement.
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PRODUCT NAME
LIQUID HELIUM
3. COMPOSITION/ INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
3.1 Substances / Mixtures
Ingredient
CAS Number
EC Number
Content (v/v)
HELIUM
7440-59-7
231-168-5
>99.99%
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
4.1 Description of first aid measures
Cold burns: Immediately flush with tepid water or with sterile saline solution. Hold eyelids apart and irrigate
Eye
for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation
If inhaled, remove from contaminated area. To protect rescuer, use an Air-line respirator or Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Apply artificial respiration if not breathing. Give oxygen if available. For advice,
contact a Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia Wide) or a doctor.
Skin
Cold burns: Remove contaminated clothing and gently flush affected areas with warm water (30°C) for 15
minutes. Apply sterile dressing and treat as for a thermal burn. For large burns, immerse in warm water for
15 minutes. DO NOT apply any form of direct heat. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion
None allocated.
First aid facilities
Eye wash facilities and safety shower should be available.
4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
In high concentrations may cause asphyxiation. Direct contact with the liquefied material or escaping compressed gas may cause
frostbite injury.
4.3 Immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
5.1 Extinguishing media
Use water fog to cool containers from protected area.
5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Non flammable.
5.3 Advice for firefighters
Temperatures in a fire may cause cylinders to rupture. Cool cylinders or containers exposed to fire by applying water from a protected
location. Remove cool cylinders from the path of the fire. Evacuate the area if unable to keep cylinders cool. Do not approach
cylinders or containers suspected of being hot.
5.4 Hazchem code
2T
2
Fine Water Spray.
T
Wear full fire kit and breathing apparatus. Dilute spill and run-off.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
If the cylinder is leaking, evacuate area of personnel. Inform manufacturer/supplier of leak. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
as detailed in Section 8 of the SDS. Ventilate area where possible and eliminate ignition sources.
6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent from entering sewers, basements and workpits, or any place where its accumulation can be dangerous.
6.3 Methods of cleaning up
Stop the flow of material, if this is without risk. If the leak is irreparable, move the cylinder to a safe and well ventilated area, and allow
to discharge. Keep area evacuated and free from ignition sources until any leaked or spilled liquid has evaporated.
6.4 Reference to other sections
See Sections 8 and 13 for exposure controls and disposal.
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PRODUCT NAME
LIQUID HELIUM
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Before use carefully read the product label. Use of safe work practices are recommended to avoid eye or skin contact and inhalation.
Observe good personal hygiene, including washing hands before eating. Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in contaminated areas.
7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Portable liquid container should be stored below 45°C in a secure area and upright to prevent from falling. Portable liquid containers
should also be stored in a dry, well ventilated area constructed of non-combustible material with firm level floor (preferably concrete),
away from areas of heavy traffic and emergency exits. CREATION OF ICE BLOCKAGES: If it is suspected that there product is in the
dewar (the dewar has not been used before or because the actual weight of the dewar is greater than the stamped tare weight) AND
there is no vent gas present when the top entry ball valve is open AND/OR the pressure gauge on the dewar reads zero, and ICE
BLOCKAGE may be present. The safety relief system may be blocked.
7.3 Specific end use(s)
No information provided.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
8.1 Control parameters
Exposure standards
Ingredient
Reference
Helium
SWA (AUS)
TWA
ppm
STEL
mg/m³
ppm
mg/m³
Asphyxiant
Biological limits
No biological limit values have been entered for this product.
8.2 Exposure controls
Engineering controls Avoid inhalation. Use in well ventilated areas. Where an inhalation risk exists, mechanical explosion proof
extraction ventilation is recommended. Maintain vapour levels below the recommended exposure standard.
PPE
Eye / Face
Hands
Body
Respiratory
Wear safety glasses.
Wear leather or insulated gloves.
Wear coveralls.
Where an inhalation risk exists, wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or an Air-line respirator.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
COLOURLESS LIQUID AND GAS
Appearance
ODOURLESS
Odour
NON FLAMMABLE
Flammability
NOT RELEVANT
Flash point
-268.9°C
Boiling point
NOT AVAILABLE
Melting point
NOT APPLICABLE
Evaporation rate
NOT APPLICABLE
pH
0.138 (Air = 1)
Vapour density
NOT APPLICABLE
Specific gravity
NOT AVAILABLE
Solubility (water)
NOT AVAILABLE
Vapour pressure
NOT RELEVANT
Upper explosion limit
NOT RELEVANT
Lower explosion limit
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PRODUCT NAME
LIQUID HELIUM
9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
NOT AVAILABLE
Partition coefficient
NOT AVAILABLE
Autoignition temperature
Decomposition temperature NOT AVAILABLE
NOT AVAILABLE
Viscosity
NOT AVAILABLE
Explosive properties
NOT AVAILABLE
Oxidising properties
NOT AVAILABLE
Odour threshold
9.2 Other information
% Volatiles
Critical pressure
Critical temperature
100 %
229 kPa
-268°C
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
10.1 Reactivity
Carefully review all information provided in sections 10.2 to 10.6.
10.2 Chemical stability
Stable under recommended conditions of storage.
10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions
Polymerization will not occur.
10.4 Conditions to avoid
Avoid heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.
10.5 Incompatible materials
Compatible with most commonly used materials.
10.6 Hazardous decomposition products
May evolve toxic gases if heated to decomposition.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Based on available data, the classification criteria are not met.
Acute toxicity
Skin
Not classified as a skin irritant. Contact with the liquefied material or escaping compressed gas may cause
frostbite injury.
Eye
Not classified as an eye irritant. Contact with the liquefied material or escaping compressed gas may cause
frostbite injury.
Sensitisation
Not classified as causing skin or respiratory sensitisation.
Mutagenicity
Not classified as a mutagen.
Carcinogenicity
Not classified as a carcinogen.
Reproductive
Not classified as a reproductive toxin.
STOT - single
exposure
Asphyxiant. Effects are proportional to oxygen displacement. Over exposure may result in dizziness,
drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, breathing difficulties and unconsciousness.
STOT - repeated
exposure
Not classified as causing organ damage from repeated exposure.
Aspiration
Not classified as causing aspiration.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
12.1 Toxicity
No information provided.
12.2 Persistence and degradability
No information provided.
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PRODUCT NAME
LIQUID HELIUM
12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
No information provided.
12.4 Mobility in soil
No information provided.
12.5 Other adverse effects
No information provided.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
13.1 Waste treatment methods
Cylinders should be returned to the manufacturer or supplier for disposal of contents.
Waste disposal
Legislation
Dispose of in accordance with relevant local legislation.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
CLASSIFIED AS A DANGEROUS GOOD BY THE CRITERIA OF THE ADG CODE
LAND TRANSPORT (ADG)
SEA TRANSPORT (IMDG / IMO)
AIR TRANSPORT (IATA / ICAO)
1963
1963
1963
14.1 UN Number
14.2 Proper
Shipping Name
HELIUM, REFRIGERATED LIQUID HELIUM, REFRIGERATED LIQUID HELIUM, REFRIGERATED LIQUID
2.2
2.2
2.2
None allocated.
None allocated.
None allocated.
14.3 Transport
hazard class
14.4 Packing Group
14.5 Environmental hazards
No information provided.
14.6 Special precautions for user
Hazchem code
2T
GTEPG
REFER
EMS
F-C, S-V
Transport on open top vehicles in accordance with local legislation.
Other information
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
A poison schedule number has not been allocated to this product using the criteria in the Standard for the
Poison schedule
Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP).
Classifications
Safework Australia criteria is based on the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals.
The classifications and phrases listed below are based on the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC: 1008(2004)].
Hazard codes
None allocated.
Risk phrases
None allocated.
Safety phrases
None allocated.
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PRODUCT NAME
LIQUID HELIUM
AUSTRALIA: AICS (Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances)
All components are listed on AICS, or are exempt.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Additional information
The storage of significant quantities of gas cylinders must comply with AS4332 The storage and
handling of gases in cylinders.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES:
The recommendation for protective equipment contained within this report is provided as a guide
only. Factors such as method of application, working environment, quantity used, product
concentration and the availability of engineering controls should be considered before final selection
of personal protective equipment is made.
HEALTH EFFECTS FROM EXPOSURE:
It should be noted that the effects from exposure to this product will depend on several factors
including: frequency and duration of use; quantity used; effectiveness of control measures; protective
equipment used and method of application. Given that it is impractical to prepare a report which
would encompass all possible scenarios, it is anticipated that users will assess the risks and apply
control methods where appropriate.
Abbreviations
ACGIH
CAS #
CNS
EC No.
EMS
GHS
GTEPG
IARC
LC50
LD50
mg/m³
OEL
pH
ppm
STEL
STOT-RE
STOT-SE
SUSMP
SWA
TLV
TWA
Report status
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Chemical Abstract Service number - used to uniquely identify chemical compounds
Central Nervous System
EC No - European Community Number
Emergency Schedules (Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous
Goods)
Globally Harmonized System
Group Text Emergency Procedure Guide
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Lethal Concentration, 50% / Median Lethal Concentration
Lethal Dose, 50% / Median Lethal Dose
Milligrams per Cubic Metre
Occupational Exposure Limit
relates to hydrogen ion concentration using a scale of 0 (high acidic) to 14 (highly
alkaline).
Parts Per Million
Short-Term Exposure Limit
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons
Safe Work Australia
Threshold Limit Value
Time Weighted Average
This document has been compiled by RMT on behalf of the manufacturer, importer or supplier of the
product and serves as their Safety Data Sheet ('SDS').
It is based on information concerning the product which has been provided to RMT by the
manufacturer, importer or supplier or obtained from third party sources and is believed to represent
the current state of knowledge as to the appropriate safety and handling precautions for the product
at the time of issue. Further clarification regarding any aspect of the product should be obtained
directly from the manufacturer, importer or supplier.
While RMT has taken all due care to include accurate and up-to-date information in this SDS, it does
not provide any warranty as to accuracy or completeness. As far as lawfully possible, RMT accepts
no liability for any loss, injury or damage (including consequential loss) which may be suffered or
incurred by any person as a consequence of their reliance on the information contained in this SDS.
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PRODUCT NAME
Prepared by
LIQUID HELIUM
Risk Management Technologies
5 Ventnor Ave, West Perth
Western Australia 6005
Phone: +61 8 9322 1711
Fax: +61 8 9322 1794
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rmt.com.au
[ End of SDS ]
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